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Pressure sores are areas of damage to the skin and the underlying tissue caused by constant pressure or friction. This type of skin damage can develop quickly to anyone with reduced mobility, such as older people or those confined to a bed or chair. The skin over bony areas such as the heels, elbows, the back of the head and the tailbone (coccyx) is particularly at risk. The lack of enough blood flow can cause the affected tissue to die if left untreated. Pressure sores can be difficult to treat and can lead to serious complications. Other names for this type of damage include pressure injuries, bed sores, pressure ulcers and decubitus ('lying down') ulcers. Grades of pressure soresIf you’ve been bedridden for long enough, the areas of skin that are constantly in contact with the mattress or chair will start to discolour. This shows that the skin is in danger of ulcerating. Pressure sores are graded to four levels, including:
Complications of pressure soresUntreated pressure sores can lead to a wide variety of secondary conditions, including:
Risk factors for pressure soresA pressure sore is caused by constant pressure applied to the skin over a period of time. The skin of older people tends to be thinner and more delicate, which means an older person has an increased risk of developing a pressure sore during a prolonged stay in bed. Other risk factors for pressure sores include:
If you use a wheelchair you’re most likely to develop a pressure sore on the parts of the body where they rest against the chair. These may include the tailbone or buttocks, shoulder blades, spine and the backs of arms or legs. If you’re bedridden, pressure sores can occur in a number of areas, including:
Preventing pressure soresIf you are confined to a bed or chair for any period of time, it's important to be aware of the risk of pressure sores. To prevent skin damage, you or your carer need to relieve the pressure, reduce the time that pressure is applied and improve skin quality. Pressure offloading surfaces such as mattresses and wheelchair cushions may help in providing pressure relief by evenly distributing the pressure. Pressure injury monitoring devices that measure the skin moisture content, body motion and the pressure in-between may be used to prevent pressure sores and injuries. An example of a devices is pressure-sensing mats placed on beds or wheelchairs. Develop a plan that your, your carer and any other caregivers can follow. This plan will include position changes, supportive devices, daily skin care, a nutritious diet and lifestyle changes. A routine nursing assessment may be required if you’re at high risk of pressure sores. As visual skin assessment may sometimes be unreliable, early detection of pressure sores using some bedside technologies may help facilitate preventive interventions. Pressure from medical devices such as oxygen tubing, catheters, cervical collars, casts and restraints should be minimised or removed. Position changes to prevent pressure soresIf you use a wheelchair shift position within your chair about every 15 minutes. If you spend most of their time in bed change position at least once every two hours, even during the night and avoid lying directly on your hipbones. Pillows may be used as soft buffers between your skin and the bed or chair. The head-of-bed elevation should be maintained at/or below 30 degrees. Or depending on the your medical condition, the bed should at least be elevated to the lowest degree to prevent injury. When lying on your side, a 30 degrees position should be used. Daily skin care to prevent pressure soresWays to prevent pressure injuries include:
Diet and lifestyle changes to avoid pressure soresChanges to avoid pressure sores include:
Warning signs of pressure soresDaily checks are needed to look for early warning signs including:
Treatment for pressure soresThere are a variety of treatments available to manage pressure sores and promote healing, depending on the severity of the pressure sore. These include:
Where to get help
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This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
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